Apparatus and method for self-cleaning salt cell chlorinator

ABSTRACT

A salt cell chlorinator adapted to run a self-cleaning program by scraping off residual buildup, the salt cell chlorinator having: electrodes arranged in a line within a housing, each electrode having: a first face; and an opposite second face; rotary wipers arranged within the line of the electrodes, such that each rotary wiper is adapted to make contact with at least one electrode of the electrodes, wherein each rotary wiper is adapted to rotate simultaneously on the first face or the second face of the electrodes; a drive motor adapted to cause a rotation of the rotary wipers; a control panel adapted to customize the self-cleaning program to run at a predetermined time interval; wherein the rotation of the rotary wipers removes the residual buildup from the electrodes; and wherein the predetermined time interval occurs between occurrences of the chlorination program.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit ofU.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/393,706, filed Apr. 24,2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that itis not conflicting with the present application.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to pool and spa maintenance and morespecifically to pool and spa salt cell chlorinator cleaning.

2. Description of the Related Art

Swimming pool or spa salt cells require cleaning a minimum ofapproximately three to four times per year, and many are set to adefault programming to illuminate a “clean/check cell” LED indicatorevery 500 hours (or approximately every 62 days). The frequency ofcleaning may vary and may depend on several factors, including saltlevels, pH, alkalinity, calcium levels, phosphates, organic buildup,cleanliness of the electrodes, and age of the salt cell generator. Thecleaning process can be difficult, messy, and time-consuming.Additionally, the current methods for cleaning may require soaking saltcell electrodes in a muriatic acid or a vinegar solution, both of whichcan prematurely cause the salt cells to fail by eroding the metalliccoating on the electrode cell blades. Salt cell chlorination requires aminimum salt level in the water (usually 3,000-4,000 ppm). Salttraveling through electrodes generates chlorine, a derivative of salt.This chlorination process causes the electrodes to form layers ofcalcium scale buildup in the salt cell, which can greatly reduce theperformance of the salt cell chlorine generation process. It may berequired to power down the filtration system (pump) and disconnect andremove the salt cell from the pool plumbing during the cleaning process.Then, the salt cell may need to be cleaned via harsh chemicals, manuallyscraping of the electrode cell blades themselves (such as with a plasticor wooden tool), and washing the electrode cell blades with ahigh-pressure hose nozzle. This process can erodes the coating on theelectrodes, which can therefore result in the shortening of the saltcell's life.

Then, salt cells need to be reinstalled into the plumbing, and theelectrical cable reconnected to ensure no leaks occur at the unions.Salt cells fail primarily due to lack of proper maintenance (cleaning)Thus, it is very important to check salt cells regularly for excessivecalcium buildup and prevent the excess calcium from forming. Thisprocess can be costly. For example, checking for calcium build up couldcost an additional $25 each time a pool maintenance person performs thisservice. For a homeowner, it can take over 30 minutes each time tocomplete this process.

While some self-cleaning salt cell chlorinators may be known, they mayuse a process of reverse voltage polarity, sometimes referred to as“cell-reversing.” This process may be ineffective and may simplyelongate the period of interval cleanings without efficiently fullycleaning the salt cell, and thus still requiring manual cleaning.

Therefore, there is a need for a solution to these problems.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented inthis section could be or could have been pursued; they are notnecessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued.Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that anyof the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merelyby virtue of their presence in this section of the application.

BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summaryis not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

In an aspect, a rotary self-cleaning salt cell chlorinator is provided,having electrode plates, rotary wipers, and a drive shaft configured toturn the rotary wipers. The rotary wipers may each be provided with afirst blade and an opposite second blade, and the electrode plates maybe provided with a round shape, such that the rotary wiper bladesrotating on a face or surface of the electrode plates may make contactwith all portions of the electrode plate surface, such that buildup onthe electrode plates are cleaned and scraped off by the blades. A rotarywiper may be provided sandwiched between two electrode plates, such thatboth a front side and a rear side of the rotary wiper is flush with thesurface of a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, andthus a single rotary wiper is configured to clean two electrode platessimultaneously. The rotary self-cleaning salt cell may also be providedwith a control panel configured to allow programming of the salt cell,such that the salt cells can perform a cleaning cycle at a predeterminedor desired interval, which may be every 112 hours or approximately 14days. The drive motor may attach directly to the housing containing thecomponents of the self-cleaning salt cells, which may allow for removalof the components for servicing. Thus, an advantage may be that need fora manual, time-consuming process of disassembling and cleaning a saltcell may be reduced or eliminated. Another advantage may be that thebuildup of calcium and other residual materials on the salt cell may beprevented by frequent rotary cleanings Another advantage may be that theround shape of the electrode plates may allow for the rotary wipers tomake contact with all surfaces of the electrode plate, such that no areais untouched during the cleaning process. Another advantage may be thata user may not need to set a cleaning cycle and allow the salt cell toautomatically clean at a set or predetermined time interval. Anotheradvantage may be that a user can set a cleaning cycle to take place at afrequent enough interval to prevent any buildup of calcium or otherresidual materials on the electrodes. Another advantage may be that auser can easily and efficiently remove components from the salt cellhouse should servicing or replacement of parts be necessary. Anotheradvantage may be that time spent on maintenance and cleaning of a saltcell chlorinator may be reduced or eliminated for a user.

In another aspect, a salt cell chlorinator adapted to run aself-cleaning program to self-clean by scraping off residual buildup isprovided, the salt cell chlorinator comprising: a housing having: afront end; a rear end; a top side; a bottom side; a water inlet pipe;and a water outlet pipe; a plurality of electrodes arranged a linewithin the housing, each electrode of the plurality of electrodeshaving: a round shape; a first face; and a second face; a plurality ofrotary wipers, wherein each rotary wiper of the plurality of wipers isarranged within the line of the plurality of electrodes, such that eachrotary wiper of the plurality wipers is adapted to make contact with atleast one electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each rotarywiper of the plurality of rotary wipers is adapted to rotate on thefirst face or the second face of an electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes; a drive motor adapted to cause a rotation of the pluralityof rotary wipers; a control panel adapted to customize the self-cleaningprogram to run at a predetermined time interval; wherein the residualbuildup is formed on the plurality of electrodes during running of achlorination program; wherein the rotation of the plurality of rotarywipers removes the residual buildup from the plurality of electrodes;and wherein the predetermined time interval occurs between occurrencesof the chlorination program. Thus, again, an advantage may be that needfor a manual, time-consuming process of disassembling and cleaning asalt cell may be reduced or eliminated. Another advantage may be thatthe buildup of calcium and other residual materials on the salt cell maybe prevented by frequent rotary cleanings Another advantage may be thatthe round shape of the electrode plates may allow for the rotary wipersto make contact with all surfaces of the electrode plate, such that noarea is untouched during the cleaning process. Another advantage may bethat a user may not need to set a cleaning cycle and allow the salt cellto automatically clean at a set or predetermined time interval. Anotheradvantage may be that a user can set a cleaning cycle to take place at afrequent enough interval to prevent any buildup of calcium or otherresidual materials on the electrodes. Another advantage may be that auser can easily and efficiently remove components from the salt cellhouse should servicing or replacement of parts be necessary. Anotheradvantage may be that time spent on maintenance and cleaning of a saltcell chlorinator may be reduced or eliminated for a user.

In another aspect, a salt cell chlorinator adapted to run aself-cleaning program to self-clean by scraping off residual buildup isprovided, the salt cell chlorinator comprising: a housing having: afront end; a rear end; a top side; a bottom side; a water inlet pipe;and a water outlet pipe; a plurality of electrodes arranged a linewithin the housing, each electrode of the plurality of electrodeshaving: a round shape; a first face; and a second face; a plurality ofrotary wipers, wherein each rotary wiper of the plurality of wipers isarranged within the line of the plurality of electrodes, such that eachrotary wiper of the plurality wipers is adapted to make contact with atleast one electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each rotarywiper of the plurality of rotary wipers is adapted to rotate on thefirst face or the second face of an electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes; a drive motor adapted to cause a rotation of the pluralityof rotary wipers; a drive shaft passing through each electrode of theplurality of electrodes and passing through each rotary wiper of theplurality of rotary wipers; a control panel adapted to customize theself-cleaning program to run at a predetermined time interval; whereinthe residual buildup is formed on the plurality of electrodes duringrunning of a chlorination program; wherein the drive motor rotates thedrive shaft; such that the rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers iscaused; wherein the rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers removesthe residual buildup from the plurality of electrodes; and wherein thepredetermined time interval occurs between occurrences of thechlorination program. Thus, again, an advantage may be that need for amanual, time-consuming process of disassembling and cleaning a salt cellmay be reduced or eliminated. Another advantage may be that the buildupof calcium and other residual materials on the salt cell may beprevented by frequent rotary cleanings. Another advantage may be thatthe round shape of the electrode plates may allow for the rotary wipersto make contact with all surfaces of the electrode plate, such that noarea is untouched during the cleaning process. Another advantage may bethat a user may not need to set a cleaning cycle and allow the salt cellto automatically clean at a set or predetermined time interval. Anotheradvantage may be that a user can set a cleaning cycle to take place at afrequent enough interval to prevent any buildup of calcium or otherresidual materials on the electrodes. Another advantage may be that auser can easily and efficiently remove components from the salt cellhouse should servicing or replacement of parts be necessary. Anotheradvantage may be that time spent on maintenance and cleaning of a saltcell chlorinator may be reduced or eliminated for a user.

In another aspect, a method of maintaining a salt cell chlorinator in apool system is provided, the salt cell chlorinator being adapted to runa self-cleaning program to self-clean by scraping off residual buildup,and the salt cell chlorinator comprising: a housing having: a front end;a rear end; a top side; a bottom side; a water inlet pipe; and a wateroutlet pipe; a plurality of electrodes arranged a line within thehousing, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes having: a roundshape; a first face; and a second face; a plurality of rotary wipers,wherein each rotary wiper of the plurality of wipers is arranged withinthe line of the plurality of electrodes, such that each rotary wiper ofthe plurality wipers is adapted to make contact with at least oneelectrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each rotary wiper ofthe plurality of rotary wipers is adapted to rotate on the first face orthe second face of an electrode of the plurality of electrodes; a drivemotor adapted to cause a rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers; acontrol panel adapted to customize the self-cleaning program to run at apredetermined time interval; wherein the residual buildup is formed onthe plurality of electrodes during running of a chlorination program;wherein the rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers removes theresidual buildup from the plurality of electrodes; and wherein thepredetermined time interval occurs between occurrences of thechlorination processes; the method comprising the steps of: installingthe salt cell chlorinator in the pool system; programming the salt cellchlorinator using the control panel to customize the self-cleaningprogram to run at the predetermined time interval, wherein theself-cleaning program is set to run for a predetermined length of time;and setting the salt cell chlorinator using the control panel to run thechlorination program, wherein the chlorination program is adapted tostop when the self-cleaning program is running, and wherein thechlorination program is adapted to restart when the self-cleaningprogram is finished. Thus, again, an advantage may be that need for amanual, time-consuming process of disassembling and cleaning a salt cellmay be reduced or eliminated. Another advantage may be that the buildupof calcium and other residual materials on the salt cell may beprevented by frequent rotary cleanings Another advantage may be that theround shape of the electrode plates may allow for the rotary wipers tomake contact with all surfaces of the electrode plate, such that no areais untouched during the cleaning process. Another advantage may be thata user may not need to set a cleaning cycle and allow the salt cell toautomatically clean at a set or predetermined time interval. Anotheradvantage may be that a user can set a cleaning cycle to take place at afrequent enough interval to prevent any buildup of calcium or otherresidual materials on the electrodes. Another advantage may be that auser can easily and efficiently remove components from the salt cellhouse should servicing or replacement of parts be necessary. Anotheradvantage may be that time spent on maintenance and cleaning of a saltcell chlorinator may be reduced or eliminated for a user.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspectsor examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuingdescription and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects,embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figuresof the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan schematic view of an exemplary poolequipment array or system, according to an aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a self-cleaning saltcell, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation cutaway view of a self-cleaning saltcell, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of an electrode plateassociated with mounting rails 405 shown in cross-section, according toan aspect.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a front elevation view of an electrode plate witha rotary wiper, and a side elevation view of the rotary wiper, accordingto an aspect.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an exploded, side perspective view and anassembled side elevation view, respectively, of an assembly having adrive shaft, rotary wipers and electrode plates, according to an aspect.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial side sectional view of a self-cleaning saltcell, according to an aspect.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial exploded rear view of a hydro-mechanicaldrive, according to an aspect.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial sectional view of another example of aself-cleaning salt cell, wherein a hydromechanical drive is used todrive the rotary wipers, according to an aspect.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of an electrode plate withassociated mounting holes, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a front elevation view and a side elevationview, respectively, of an electrode plate with a rotary wiper, accordingto an aspect.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded, assembled side elevation view of anassembly having a drive shaft, rotary wipers and electrode plates,according to an aspect.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate a side elevation view of an assembly havingelectrode plates and snap fasteners, and a perspective elevation view ofthe snap fastener, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a front elevation view and a side elevationview, respectively, of an electrode plate with a lug, according to anaspect.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an assembly having adrive shaft, electrode plates, rotary wipers and snap fasteners,according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/orexamples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be madeto the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawingsis part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/orexamples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes,and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structuraland/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skillsin the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore,the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims andtheir equivalents.

It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of thespecification, some or all details about some structural components orsteps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they arenot necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinaryskills in the art.

For the following description, it can be assumed that mostcorrespondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g., 222 and 322,etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the samestructure and function. If there is a difference between correspondinglylabeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results ina non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particularembodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description givenfor that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan schematic view of an exemplary poolequipment array or system (“pool equipment array,” “pool equipmentsystem,” “pool system,” or “system”) with an integrated rotaryself-cleaning salt cell chlorinator (“rotary self-cleaning salt cell,”“rotary salt cell,” “self-cleaning chlorinator,” “self-cleaning saltcell,” or “salt cell chlorinator”) 100, according to an aspect. Theself-cleaning salt cell chlorinator may also be referred to as a“Gyrocell,” derived from the rotational movements of the self-cleaningsalt cell. The arrangement shown as an example in FIG. 1 shows that aself-cleaning salt cell 100 may replace a traditional salt cellchlorinator in a typical pool equipment plumbing arrangement. The rotaryself-cleaning salt cell 100 may be used in any pool or spa system andmay self-clean by the rotation of rotary wipers to scrape away residualbuildup, for example. The rotation of the rotary wipers may occuraccording to a set program, for example, which may be every 112 hours orapproximately 14 days. Each cleaning session may be approximately twominutes long, for example.

A pump 191 of the system may pull water from the pool into a waterintake pipe 190 a, which may be an intake pipe used for bringing inwater from the pool into the pool equipment system. Then, the water maytravel through a filter 192 and a heater 193. Next, the water may entera self-cleaning salt cell 100 via the salt cell water intake pipe (“saltcell water intake pipe,” or “salt cell intake pipe”) 190 c, where thewater may be appropriately chlorinated, as is known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Once the water has been chlorinated, the water mayexit the self-cleaning salt cell 100 via a water outlet pipe 190 b, andnext be pumped back into the pool.

A self-cleaning salt cell 100 may be provided with a control panel 106.The control panel 106 may be equipped with any suitable salt cellchlorinator electronics and software, as is known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The control panel 106 may also be equipped withadditional electronics and software that may be used for controlling thefrequency of the self-cleaning cycle or program (“self-cleaning cycle,”“self-cleaning program,” “cycle,” or “program”) of the self-cleaningsalt cell 100. The frequency of the self-cleaning program may bedetermined or set by a pool maintenance person, a self-cleaning saltcell 100 installer, or any other user of the self-cleaning salt cell100. Thus, a self-cleaning salt cell 100 may be automatically set toself-clean at predetermined or desired intervals, such that no useraction is needed to maintain the self-cleaning salt cell 100 afterinitial programming of the self-cleaning salt cell 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a self-cleaning saltcell 200, according to an aspect. The self-cleaning salt cell 200 may beprovided with the following exemplary components: a salt cell housing(“salt cell housing,” “cell housing,” or “housing”) 201, salt cell endcovers (“end covers,” “electronics covers,” or “covers”) 202, unionfittings (“union fittings”) 204 for input and output lines or pipes,electrode plate mounting rails or retainers (“electrode plate mountingrail,” “retainers,” or “mounting rails”) 205, electrode plates(“electrode plates,” or “plates”) 210, electrode busbars 215, salt cellend plates (“end plates”) 217, rotary wiper blades (“rotary wiperblades,” “rotary blades,” “wiper blades,” “rotary wipers,” or “wipers”)220, a drive shaft 222 for the wipers 220, and end flanges 223. Asshown, the housing 201 may house the various components, such as theplurality of electrodes 210, shown in FIG. 2. The housing 201 may have afront end that may receive an end cover 202, a rear end that may receivean end cover 202, a top side, and a bottom side. The housing may also beprovided with a water inlet pipe 290 c and a water outlet pipe 290 b. Itshould be noted that a self-cleaning salt cell 200 may also be providedwith additional components, as disclosed hereinbelow. As an example, therotary salt cell may be removable from the housing 201 for servicing.Securing the salt cell within the housing 201 may be done by unions andrubber O-rings, for example.

The drive shaft 222 may be associated with the rotary wipers 220, suchthat the drive shaft may turn the rotary wipers 220, which may be by wayof a drive motor (such as, for example, a “Goldline” actuator). Asanother example, an optional drive system may be a mechanical-hydroimpeller and reduced-speed gear driven system.

The end flanges 223 may serve as the end bearings for the drive shaft222. Two retainers 205 are shown as examples in FIG. 2 for visualclarity; however, it should be understood that any other suitable numberof retainers 205 may be used. As an example, four retainers 205 may beused to secure the electrode plates 210.

Each electrode plate 210 may be provided with a rotary blade 220,wherein the rotary blade 220 is configured to rotate on the face of theelectrode to be able to wipe the entire surface of the electrode face.

As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the purpose of a saltcell chlorinator 200 is to convert salt (NaCl) to chlorine (Cl). Thismay typically be accomplished by passing saltwater through the salt cellchlorinator 200 and over electrode plates 210, which may be coated witha metal. As an example, the electrode plates 210 may be solid titaniumand they may be coated with either ruthenium or iridium, which arenaturally occurring metals. The control panel (as shown by 106 inFIG. 1) may then send an electrical charge to the electrode plates 210via the electrode busses 215, which causes electrolysis to occur, thusproducing chlorine.

Over time, residual material, such as calcium scale, may build up on theelectrode plates 210, creating what is commonly referred to as buildup.Buildup on a salt cell chlorinator may necessitate periodic cleaning ofthe salt cell chlorinator in order to maintain optimal operation of thesalt cell. To clean a traditional salt cell, the electrode plates may besubmerged in a mild acid, which eats away at the electrode plates. Themetallic coating on the electrode plates 210 can erode during this typeof cleaning process, which may be damaging to the function of the saltcell chlorinator. A well-maintained salt cell chlorinator, which is notself-cleaning, could last 3-7 years and may have a replacement cost of$700-$1100.

The self-cleaning salt cell chlorinator 200 shown and described whenreferring to FIG. 2 may be cleaned using a gentler cleaning method thana method using acid. A gentler cleaning method may result an extendedlife compared to a traditional salt cell chlorinator. To automaticallyclean the electrode plates 210, a self-cleaning salt cell 200 mayactivate the rotary wipers 220 to scrape built-up calcium scale or otherresidual materials off of the electrode plates 210 (as will be describedfurther when referring to FIGS. 3-7). The rotary blade 220 may beconstructed from non-metallic materials such as hard plastic or anyother suitable type of materials that are not likely to damage themetallic coating on the electrode plates 210. The material used for theconstruction of the rotary wipers 220 may be durable enough to be ableto withstand rotation and scraping of the calcium scale and otherbuildup. This method may be gentler than acid submersion cleaningbecause the coating on the electrode plates 210 may experience little tono erosion. The interval between self-cleanings may be short relative tothe manual cleanings required by typical or traditional salt cells. Forexample, while typical or traditional salt cells or known self-cleaningsalt cells using reverse voltage polarity may require cleaning every 3-4months, the self-cleaning program for the self-cleaning salt cell mayoccur every 14 days. This may help to ensure that the quantity ofcalcium scale buildup is small, such that the rotary wipers 220 may moreeasily remove the calcium scale and other buildup. Another advantage toa shorter interval may be that the performance of the salt cellchlorinator 200 is consistent and optimal. The electrode plates 210 maybe provided with a flat, circular shape such that the rotary wipers 220may be able to reach all portions of the face of the electrode plate 210while scraping off the calcium scale buildup, or other residualmaterials. Thus, the circular shape may be advantageous over othershapes; as an example, the rotary wipers may be unable to reach andclean the corners of a square-shaped electrode plate.

The electrode plates 210 may serve as either anodes or cathodes, as isknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 2 shows the anodeplates 210 a with an electrode tab (shown by 411 in FIG. 4) positionedtowards the top end of the plate, or in a 12 o'clock position on theface of the electrode, while the cathode plates 210 b are shown with anelectrode tab (shown by 411 in FIG. 4) positioned towards the bottom endof the plate, or in a 6 o'clock position on the face of the electrode.Retainers 205 may hold electrode plates in place by being fitted ontothe ends of the plates. The electrode plates 210, which may be anodeplates and cathode plates, may be arranged or aligned in a line or in aplane. As an example, anode plates 210 a and cathode 210 b plates may bearranged in an alternating order, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein an anodeplate 210 a is followed by a cathode plate 210 b, which is next followedby an anode plate, and so on.

It should be understood that a self-cleaning salt cell 200 may bemanufactured, constructed, or otherwise provided in various sizes, suchthat a desired size may be appropriately selected in order to correspondto the volume of water in a pool. It should also be understood that thenumber and size of electrode plates 210, rotary wipers 220, and so on,may vary according to the size of the self-cleaning salt cell 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation cutaway view of a self-cleaning saltcell 300, according to an aspect. The following exemplary components maybe visible in this view: a salt cell housing 301, salt cell end covers302, electrode plate mounting rails 305, electrode plates 310, rotarywiper blades (“wiper blades”) 320, a drive motor 324, a drive shaft 322,a salt cell water intake pipe 390 c, and a water outlet pipe 390 b. Theelectrode busbars may not be visible in this view, as an example.

It should be noted that, for clarity of the drawing, the rotary wipers320 are represented in a horizontal position, and it should beunderstood that the rotary wipers 320 may be fitted or arranged to restor be flush against each electrode plate 310.

Again, as was previously discussed, a self-cleaning salt cell 300 mayclean its electrode plates 310 by rotating the rotary wipers 320 toscrape off any built-up residual material from the electrode plates 310.To rotate the rotary wipers 320, the control panel (shown by 106 inFIG. 1) may activate a drive motor 324 to rotate a drive shaft 322,which in turn rotates the rotary wipers 320. The drive shaft 322 maypass through each electrode of the plurality of electrodes 310, and passthrough each rotary wiper of the plurality of rotary wipers 320, and thedrive motor may rotate the drive shaft, such that a rotation of theplurality of rotary wipers is caused. As an example, a low-voltage,high-torque drive motor 324 may be used. As another example, ahydromechanical drive may be used to turn the rotary wipers 320 (as willbe discussed further when referring to FIGS. 8-9). The drive motor 324may be configured to turn or rotate the drive shaft 322 and thus therotary wiper blades 320 at 90 degrees to create a half-turn, or 180degrees to create a full turn, when a rotary wiper having a first bladeand a second, opposite blade is provided. The drive system may berotated in any or both directions, for example. As another example, anoptional mechanical drive system may also be used with the self-cleaningsalt cell 300. The drive shaft 322 may have a first end and a secondend, which may each be attached to an end plate (shown by 217 in FIG. 2)via ball bearings or roller bearings (not shown), flanges (shown by 223in FIG. 2), and shaft seals (not shown). These components may beassociated together by any suitable means known in the art. This methodof securing the drive shaft 322 and endplates (shown by 217 in FIG. 2)together may allow the drive shaft 322 to effectively rotate the rotarywipers 320 while maintaining a secure, leakproof seal, which may preventpool water from leaking out of the self-cleaning salt cell 300. Theactuator or drive motor 324 may attach and secure directly to the cellhousing 301, which may allow for removal of the drive motor 324 forservice. The actuator or drive motor 324 may use a hydrophobic stemO-ring or rings, or a shaft seal. The rotary blades 320 and the saltcell electrodes 310 may also separate from the cell housing 301 forservice or replacement. Components that attach to the actuator or drivemotor 324 may be constructed from plastic-coated metal or high-strengthplastic such as PC polycarbonate or POM polyoxymethylene, for example.

The covers 302 may connect to the cell housing 301 via a large uniontype connection and may be protected from the weather and the elementswith the use of O-rings helping to create a seal. Additionally, as shownby FIG. 3, pool water may enter the salt cell water intake pipe 390 cthrough one of the union fittings (shown by 204 in FIG. 2) and exit outof the water outlet pipe 390 b through a second union fitting (shown by204 in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of an electrode plate 410associated with mounting rails 405 shown in cross-section, according toan aspect. As shown, an electrode plate 410 may be provided with anelectrode tab 411. Each electrode 410 may be provided with a roundshape. As was previously discussed when referring to FIG. 2, anelectrode plate 410 can serve as either an anode plate (shown by 210 ain FIG. 2) or a cathode plate (shown by 210 b in FIG. 2). In anassembled self-cleaning salt cell (such as the example shown by 300 inFIG. 3), an electrode plate may serve as an anode plate when theelectrode tab 411 is positioned at the top end, for example. As anotherexample, when the electrode tab 411 is positioned at the bottom end, theelectrode plate 410 may serve as a cathode plate 210 b.

Electrode busbars (shown by 215 in FIG. 2) may contact the electrodetabs 411, as will be discussed in further detail when referring to FIGS.7 and 9. The electrode busbars may transfer an electric charge from thecontrol panel to the electrode plates via the electrode tabs 411 makingcontact with the electrode busbars.

The electrode plate 410 may also be provided with mounting tabs 413. Themounting tabs 413 may be used to mount the electrode plate 410 to thesalt cell housing (shown by 301 in FIG. 3). Additionally, the mountingtabs 413 may help to stabilize the electrode plates 410, such that theplates do not move or rotate during the self-cleaning process. To mountthe electrode plate 410 to the housing, the mounting tabs 413 may besnapped or inserted into mounting rails 405, which may be provided withan inner groove shown by 405 a configured to receive a mounting tab 413.The mounting rails 405 may be secured to the end plates (shown by 203 inFIG. 2) at both ends of the self-cleaning salt cell. It should beunderstood that a self-cleaning salt cell may be provided with the samenumber of mounting rails 405 as there are mounting tabs 413 provided onan electrode plate 410. For example, when the electrode plate 410 isprovided with four mounting tabs 413, the housing may be provided withfour mounting rails 405. It should be understood that the number ofmounting tabs 413 and mounting rails 405 may vary according to a user'sneeds or according to the size of the self-cleaning salt cell, which mayvary to accommodate various sizes of pools and spas. It should beunderstood that the number of electrode plates 410 provided for aself-cleaning salt cell may also vary according to the size of theself-cleaning salt cell, or other factors.

The electrode plate 410 may also be provided with a center bore hole(“center bore hole,” “bore hole,” or “center hole,”) 412, which may belocated at the center portion of an electrode plate 410. The electrodeplate 410 may be constructed from a conductive material, while themounting rails 405 may be constructed from non-metallic materials. Eachmounting rail 405 may be provided with a first end and a second end,both of which may be associated with the end plates.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a front elevation view of an electrode plate 510with a rotary wiper 520, and a side elevation view of the rotary wiper520, according to an aspect. The electrode plate 510 is shown in FIG. 5Awithout electrode tabs or mounting tabs for visual clarity, andsimilarly, the rotary wiper 520 is shown in FIG. 5B alone without theelectrode plate 510 for visual clarity. The blades of the rotary wipers520 may be designed to have equal symmetrical parts to ensure fullcoverage, to scrape or squeegee calcium and other buildup from bothsides of the diameter, including the outside circumference, of theelectrode plates 510.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a rotary wiper blade 520 may be positioned on thefront face of the electrode plate 510, such that a slotted hub 521 ofthe rotary wiper 520 is centered within the center hole 512 of theelectrode plate 510. The rotary wiper 520 may be provided with a firstend and an opposite second end, wherein a first blade 520 a is at thefirst end and a second blade 520 b is at the second end. When the rotarywiper 520 is assembled on the electrode plate 510, the first end and thesecond end may be aligned with the edge of the electrode plate 510, andthe rotary wiper 520 may be flush with the surface of the electrodeplate 510 face. The flush mounting of the rotary wiper 520 with theelectrode plate 510 may help to facilitate efficient cleaning of theelectrode plate as the rotary wiper 520 passes over the surface of theplate.

Again, as was previously discussed, a motor-driven drive shaft 522 mayturn the rotary blade 520, such that the blades 520 a and 520 b scrapeoff residual materials and buildup. Turning the rotary blade 520 may beaccomplished by inserting the drive shaft 522 into the cutout 521 a ofthe slotted hub 521. The center hole 512 may be larger than the slottedhub 521 such that the rotary blade 520 and drive shaft 522 can turnfreely. It should be noted that, while the slotted hub 521 is shown tohave a rectangular cutout 521 a, the cutout 521 a may be customized tofit any drive shaft 522. For example, the cutout 521 a may be splined orkeyed. An advantage may be that a keyed or splined slot in each rotarywiper 520 may help to maximize grip and prevent slipping of thecomponents during a high-torque rotating operation.

The rotary wiper blade 520 is shown in a vertical position in FIG. 5A,which may be referred to as a “home position,” with a first blade 520 ain a 12 o'clock position (pointed towards the top side of the housing)and a second blade 520 b in a 6 o'clock position (pointed towards thebottom side of the housing) and opposite to the first blade 520 a. Therotary wiper blades may be in this position when the salt cellchlorination is running a chlorination program, and when theself-cleaning program is not running. The rotary wiper 520 may be in ahorizontal position, wherein the rotary wiper is turned 90 degrees fromthe home position, such that the horizontal position is perpendicular tothe vertical position. Rotary wiper blades 520 are also shown in avertical or home position in FIGS. 2 and 6A, and are shown in ahorizontal position in FIGS. 3, 6B, 7, and 9. As an example, the homeposition may be the resting position for the rotary blade 520, while notin use. An advantage may be that, while in the home position, the rotaryblade 520 may provide a minimal amount of resistance to the normal flowof water occurring within the self-cleaning salt cell housing duringnormal or regular use.

Again, the rotary wiper may be constructed from non-metallic, hardplastic, or any other suitable material that is sufficiently durableenough to withstand rotating cleaning cycles.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an exploded, side perspective view and anassembled side elevation view, respectively, of an assembly having adrive shaft 622, rotary wipers 620 and electrode plates 610, accordingto an aspect. The assembly shown may be used for a self-cleaning saltcell, as shown and described when referring to FIGS. 1-3. The rotarywipers 620 are shown in a vertical position in FIG. 6A, and are shown ina horizontal position in FIG. 6B. The electrode plates 610 are shownwithout electrode tabs (shown by 411 in FIG. 4) or mounting tabs (shownby 413 in FIG. 4), for visual clarity.

The drive shaft 622 may be inserted through the cutout of a slotted hub(as shown and described in detail when referring to FIGS. 5A-5B), andnext inserted through the center hole of an electrode plate. Theelectrode plates 610 and rotary wipers 620 may be arranged such that,when fully assembled together, the rotary wiper 620 may scrape residualmaterial and buildup off of two electrode plates simultaneously. Arotary wiper 620 may make contact with a front face of a first electrodeplate while making contact with a rear face of a second electrode plate,for example.

When the electrode plate and rotary wipers are assembled as shown as anexample in FIG. 6B, the rotary wiper 620 may be sandwiched between twoelectrode plates such as the electrode plates 610 a and 610 b, suchthat, again, the rotary wiper 620 makes contact with the front face 610b′ of the electrode plate 610 b and makes contact with the rear face 610a′ of the electrode plate 610 a. The above components may be mounted tothe end plates (as shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial side sectional view of a self-cleaning saltcell 700, according to an aspect. FIG. 7 shows how the rotary wiper 720,the electrode plate 710, and the drive shaft 722 configuration disclosedwhen referring to FIG. 6B may be associated with other components of aself-cleaning salt cell 700.

The mounting rails 705 may be secured to the mounting tabs (shown by 413in FIG. 4) of the electrode plates 710, such that the mounting rails 705hold together the configuration disclosed when referring to FIG. 6B.Furthermore, the mounting rails 705 and the drive shaft 722 may besecured to the end plates 714, which are in turn secured to the covers702 of the cell housing. The end plates 714 may secure both ends of thedrive shaft 722 by using adaptors to fit into shaft bearings, flangesand shaft seals with O-ring having requisite placements to effectivelyenable rotating and sealing the internal components from internal toexternal leakage of pool water.

The electrode busbars 715 a and 715 b may also be secured to an endplate 714 via the electrode posts 716, as shown in FIG. 7. It should benoted that the electrode posts 716 may electrically insulate theelectrode busbars 715 a and 715 b from the end plate 714. Fastenerhardware may be used to associate together the end plates 714 and theelectrode busbars 715 a and 715 b. As mentioned hereinbefore, theelectrode busbars 715 a and 715 b may transmit an electric charge fromthe control panel (shown by 106 in FIG. 1) to the electrode plates 710.As shown in FIG. 7, the electrode busbar 715 a may contact the anodeelectrode tab 711 a and the electrode busbar 715 b may contact thecathode electrode tabs 711 b. Thus, the electrode busbars 715 a and 715b may transfer the electric charge to the electrode plates 710 via theelectrode tabs 711 a and 711 b.

It should be understood that the electrode busbars 715 a and 715 b mayvary in size, shape, and material depending on the quantity of electrodeplates 710 within the self-cleaning salt cell 700. Additionally, theplacement of an electrode buss 715 may vary. It should also beunderstood that the housing may be weather-protected with the use ofO-rings.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial exploded rear view of a hydro-mechanicaldrive 830, according to an aspect. As an example, a hydro-mechanicaldrive 830 may be used in a pool system using a self-cleaning salt cell.The hydro-mechanical drive 830 may be an off-the-shelf item and may beeasily adaptable to drive the drive shaft 722 for a self-cleaning saltcell (as shown by 700 in FIG. 7). The hydro-mechanical drive 830 may beself-sustained drive system, requiring no external power, electronica orprogramming, for example.

The hydro-mechanical drive 830 may continuously run when the poolequipment controls call for pool water circulation. This mechanicalsystem may continuously clean the electrode plates 710 by turning therotary wipers 720 via the turning of the drive shaft 722.

Hydro-mechanical drive 830 may use hydraulic water power through theimpeller 831. The impeller 831 may be directly attached by the impellergear 832 to the speed-reducing gears 833 to the drive plate 835 andstationary gear ring 834, as is known to those of ordinary skill in theart.

The impeller gear 832 may turn at a higher rate of speed, which may bereduced with the rotation of the final speed-reducing gear 833 to meshwith the stationary gear 834, which may be attached to the drive plate835.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial sectional view of another example of aself-cleaning salt cell 900, wherein a hydromechanical drive 930 is usedto drive the rotary wipers 920, according to an aspect. As shown as anexample, a hydro-mechanical drive 930 may be used in place of a drivemotor (such as the example shown by 324 in FIG. 3). As an example,mounting rails 905 (represented by broken lines) may be used to securethe stationary gear ring 933 of the hydro-mechanical drive 830 in place.Additionally, the other end of the hydro-mechanical drive 930 may besecured with an alignment pin 936, which may be secured to the end plate917, as shown.

The speed-reducing gears 933 (i.e., the left-most upper and lowergears), which may mesh with the stationary gear ring 934, may turninside the stationary gear ring 934, thus turning the drive plate 935.Then, the drive plate 935 may rotate the drive shaft 922.

The primary speed-reducing gears (i.e., the right-most middle gears),may be in direct contact with the impeller gear 932, which may rotateall the speed-reducing gears 933 of the impeller 931. It should be notedthat all the speed-reducing gears 933 may be standoff mounted to thedrive plate 935, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Whenthe speed-reducing gears 933 turn in place, they may provide substantialspeed reduction to the drive plate 935. As an example, a 50:1 ratio ofthe impeller 931 to stationary gear 934 may be used.

It should be understood that the drive plate 935 may be attached to thedrive shaft 922, such that the drive plate 935 may turn the drive shaft922 in order to turn the rotary wipers 920.

A salt cell chlorinator adapted to run a self-cleaning program toself-clean by scraping off residual buildup may be installed by a userwithin a pool system (such as the system shown as an example in FIG. 1)and the control panel may be used to customize the programs of the saltcell chlorinator such that the salt cell chlorinator may beautomatically maintained and cleaned. A user may program the salt cellchlorinator by using the control panel to customize the self-cleaningprogram to run at the predetermined time interval, wherein theself-cleaning program is set to run for a predetermined length of time;and may set the salt cell chlorinator using the control panel to run thechlorination program, wherein the chlorination program is adapted tostop when the self-cleaning program is running, and wherein thechlorination program is adapted to restart when the self-cleaningprogram is finished. As an example, the predetermined time interval maybe 14 days, and the self-cleaning program predetermined length of timemay be two minutes.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of an electrode plate 1010with associated mounting holes 1040, according to an aspect. Theelectrode plate 1010 may serve as either an anode or cathode, as isknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. As an example, eachelectrode plate 1010 may be provided with a square shape as analternative to the round shape described previously in FIG. 4. Anadvantage of the square shape configuration shown in FIG. 10 may be thewaste of less material in manufacturing, which may be more costeffective. Furthermore, the geometric square plate with holes punchedinto each corner may be easier to manufacture than the more complexround plate with tabs along the edges.

As shown, the electrode plate 1010 may be provided with mounting holes1040 located in all four corners of the electrode plate 1010. Thepurpose of the corner mounting holes 1040 may be to facilitate placementof snap fasteners (shown by 1350 in FIGS. 13A-13B) or lugs (shown by1470 in FIGS. 14A-14B), as will be discussed in further detail whenreferring to FIGS. 13A-13B and 14A-14B. As alluded to, an advantage ofthe mounting holes may be their dual functionality. The use of cornermounting holes 1040 eliminates the need to manufacture mounting andelectrode tabs on the electrode plate, which may reduce material waste.Additionally, the corner mounting holes 1040 may help to stabilize theelectrode plates 1010, such that the plates do not move or rotate duringthe self-cleaning process, as will be discussed in further detail whenreferring to FIGS. 13A-13B.

The electrode plate 1010 may also be provided with a center bore hole(“center bore hole,” “bore hole,” or “center hole,”) 1012, which may belocated at the center portion of an electrode plate 1010. The centerbore hole 1012 may be provided in each electrode plate 1010 to allowthrough clearance and alignment for a rotary wiper (shown by 1120 inFIGS. 11A-11B), mounting hub (shown by 1121 in FIGS. 11A-11B), and driveshaft (shown by 1122 in FIGS. 11A-11B).

A rotary wiper, which will be discussed in further detail when referringto FIGS. 11A-11B, may rotate in a circular motion along the disk radius(“disk radius,” or “disk radius limit,”) 1038, as shown in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a front elevation view and a side elevationview, respectively, of an electrode plate 1110 with a rotary wiper 1120,according to an aspect. As an example, the rotary wiper 1120 may beprovided with a mounting hub 1121 disposed in the center of the wiper.Two pairs of opposing blades may be provided, such that a first blade1120 a and a second blade 1120 b extend outwardly from the mounting hub1121, and a third blade 1120 c and a fourth blade 1120 d extendoutwardly from the mounting hub 1121, as shown as an example. An archedconnector blade (“arched connector blade,” “arched connector”) 1120 emay connect together any two pairs of adjacent blades, such that thedistal end of the first blade 1120 a connects to the distal end of theadjacent third blade 1120 c, and the distal end of the second blade 1120b connects to the distal end of the adjacent fourth blade 1120 d, asshown as an example. The arched connectors 1120 e may provide structuralsupport for the two pairs of adjacent blades, which may help prevent theblades from bending and/or breaking during rotation. Additionally, thearched connector blades 1120 e may help to further facilitate efficientcleaning of the electrode plate 1110 as the rotary wiper 120 rotates.

An advantage of the larger wiper shape and additional blades may be thatthe rotary wiper 1120 may cover more surface area on the electrode plate1110 while the rotary wiper 1120 rotates. As an additional advantage,the rotary wiper configuration 1120 may allow calcium buildup and otherresidual materials to easily leave the face of the electrode plate 1110during cleaning through the openings 1125 where the arched connectors1120 e extend beyond the edges of the electrode plate 1110, as shown. Asthe rotary wiper 1120 rotates, the residual buildup may travel outwardlyaway from the central mounting hub 1121 due to the centripetal forceeffected by the rotational motion of the wiper 1120. The residualbuildup may then leave the face of the electrode plate 1110 through theopenings 1125 as the residual buildup reaches the edges of the plate, asan example. Thus, the configuration of the rotary wiper 1120 may moreefficiently scrape or squeegee calcium and other buildup from the faceof the electrode plate 1110.

As shown in FIG. 11A, a rotary wiper 1120 may be positioned on the frontface of the electrode plate 1110, such that the mounting hub 1121 of therotary wiper 1120 is centered within the center hole 1112 of theelectrode plate 1110. When the rotary wiper 1120 is assembled on theelectrode plate 1110, the rotary wiper 1120 may be flush with thesurface of the electrode plate face, as shown in FIG. 11B. The flushmounting of the rotary wiper 1120 with the electrode plate 1110 may helpto facilitate efficient cleaning of the electrode plate 1110 as therotary wiper 1120 passes over the surface of the plate.

Again, as was previously discussed, a drive shaft 1122 (shown in crosssection), which may be driven by an impeller gear-driven hydromechanicaldrive (as in FIGS. 8 and 9 above), may turn the rotary wiper 1120, suchthat the disk scrapes off residual materials and buildup. Turning therotary wiper 1120 may be accomplished by inserting the drive shaft 1122into the mounting hub 1121, as shown. The center hole 1112 may be largerthan the mounting hub 1121 such that the rotary wiper 1120 and driveshaft 1122 can turn freely and continuously. The drive shaft 1122 mayturn in proximity to the electrode plate 1110, which will be lubricatedby continuous saltwater flow through the salt cell. The movement of therotary wiper 1120 may be similar to the movement of a working windshieldwiper blade on the windshield of a car, as an example.

As an example, the drive shaft 1122 may be constructed to have a squareshape at its end points. An advantage of the square shape configurationshown in FIG. 11A may be simpler machining of threads used to adapt andsecure each end of the square-shaped drive shaft to the end bearings(shown by 223 in FIG. 2).

The rotary wiper 1120 and drive shaft 1122 may be constructed fromnon-metallic hard plastic, or any other suitable material that issufficiently durable enough to withstand rotating cleaning cycles.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded, assembled side elevation view of anassembly having a drive shaft 1222, rotary wipers 1220 and electrodeplates 1210, according to an aspect. The drive shaft 1222 may beinserted through the cutout of a mounting hub (as previously shown anddescribed when referring to FIGS. 11A-11B), and next inserted throughthe center hole of an electrode plate 1210. The electrode plates 1210and rotary wipers 1220 may be arranged such that, when fully assembledtogether, the rotary wiper may scrape residual material and buildup offof two electrode plates simultaneously. A rotary wiper 1220 may makecontact with a front face of a first electrode plate whilesimultaneously making contact with a rear face of a second electrodeplate, for example.

When the electrode plate and rotary wipers are assembled as shown as anexample in FIG. 12, the rotary wiper 1220 may be sandwiched between twoelectrode plates such as the electrode plates 1210 a and 1210 b, suchthat, the rotary wiper 1220 makes contact with the front face 1210 a′ ofthe electrode plate 1210 a and makes contact with the rear face 1210 b′of the electrode plate 1210 b. The above components may be mounted tothe end plates of the salt cell (as similarly discussed when referringto FIG. 2).

As was previously discussed when referring to FIG. 10, an electrodeplate 1210 can serve as either an anode plate or a cathode plate. Theelectrode plates 1210, which may be anode plates and cathode plates, maybe arranged or aligned in a line or in a plane. As an example, anodeplates and cathode plates may be arranged in an alternating order, asshown in FIG. 12, wherein an anode plate 1210 a is followed by a cathodeplate 1210 b, which is next followed by an anode plate, and so on.

As shown, the rotary wipers 1220 may be proportionally larger than theelectrode plates 1210. Again, as was previously discussed, the largerrotary wiper size may allow the rotary wipers to fully and efficientlyscrape residual material and buildup off of two electrode platessimultaneously. The rotary wipers 1220 may continuously rotate while theelectrode plates 1210 remain stationary, as will be discussed in furtherdetail when referring to FIGS. 13A-13B.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate an assembled, side elevation view of anassembly having electrode plates 1310 and snap fasteners 1350, and aperspective elevation view of the snap fastener 1350, according to anaspect. The assembly in FIG. 13A is shown without rotary wipers forvisual clarity, and to demonstrate how the snap fasteners 1350 may beused to fasten together electrode plates 1310. As an example, the snapfastener 1350 a may be inserted through a corner mounting hole 1340(previously shown by 1040 in FIG. 10) of an electrode plate 1310, andnext inserted into another snap fastener 1350 b, as shown in FIG. 13A.Thus, the snap fastener 1350 may also hold the electrode plates 1310stationary as the rotary wipers rotate.

An advantage of the snap fastener configuration shown in FIG. 13A may bethe ease of assembly of the snap fasteners 1350 and electrode plates1310. Additionally, disassembly of the configuration in FIG. 13A, formaintenance purposes for example, may also be easy due to theinsert-remove nature of the snap fasteners 1350. An additional advantageof the snap fastener 1350 may be the reduction in manufacturing cost,due to its small size. The small snap fastener part 1350 may be cheaperand easier to mass produce than the much larger mounting rail (shown by205 in FIG. 2), used previously to secure electrode plates together.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the snap fastener 1350 may consist of a female tomale design. The snap fastener 1350 is shown in FIG. 13B magnified forvisual clarity. The snap fastener design may be configured to have amale portion 1351 stacked coaxially onto a female portion 1352, as anexample. The male portion 1351 of the snap fastener 1350 may be insertedthrough the corner mounting hole of a first electrode plate and insertedinto the female portion 1352 of another snap fastener 1350 to fasten andsecure adjacent electrode plates together, as shown in FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a front elevation view and a side elevationview, respectively, of an electrode plate 1410 with a lug 1470,according to an aspect. The front and side elevation views in FIGS.14A-14B are shown magnified for visual clarity. The disk radius limit1438 (previously shown by 1038 in FIG. 10) is shown in FIG. 14A toestablish a spatial relationship between a lug 1470 and a rotary wiper(not shown), and more specifically, to illustrate that the lug will notinterfere with the rotation of the rotary wiper. As shown as an example,the lug 1470 may be used to provide an electrical connection to theelectrode plate 1410, as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.The lug 1470 may be crimped or soldered to stranded or solid wire (notshown), and the stranded or solid wire may contact a first electrodebusbar or a second electrode busbar, as an example. Thus, the lug 1470may transfer an electric charge from the control panel (previously shownby 106 in FIG. 1) to the electrode plate 1410 via stranded or solid wire(not shown) making contact with the first busbar or the second busbar.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the lug 1470 may be riveted onto the electrodeplate 1410 via a corner mounting hole using a suitable lug fastener1472, as an example. The lug may also be spot welded onto the electrodeplate for a more secure connection, as another example. An advantage ofthe lug-to-electrode design shown in FIGS. 14A-14B may be the reductionin manufacturing cost, due to the small size and off-the-shelfavailability of the lug 1470, wire, and lug fastener 1472.

It should be understood that the lug is one method of providing anelectrical connection to the electrode plate, and that other methods maybe employed to make such a connection. As examples, a welded connectoror main bus connection into each electrode plate (anode or cathode) maybe used to provide an electrical connection.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an assembly having adrive shaft 1522, electrode plates 1510, rotary wipers 1520 and snapfasteners 1550, according to an aspect. The components in the assemblyin FIG. 15 are shown exaggerated in overall scope for visual clarity.The assembly shown may be used for a self-cleaning salt cell, as shownand described previously when referring to FIGS. 1-3. It should be notedthat the assembly in FIG. 15 addresses only the major components of theself-cleaning salt cell, and some details (e.g., salt cell housing, endcovers, end flanges, etc.) are omitted because they are addressed in theoriginal assembly (FIG. 2).

As shown, the drive shaft 1522 may be inserted through the center hole1512 of an electrode plate 1510, and next inserted through the mountinghub 1521 of a rotary wiper 1520. The electrode plates 1510 and rotarywipers 1520 may be arranged such that, when fully assembled together,the rotary wiper 1520 may scrape residual material and buildup off oftwo electrode plates simultaneously, as described previously whenreferring to FIG. 12. It should be understood that the number ofelectrode plates 1510 and rotary wipers 1520 provided for aself-cleaning salt cell may also vary according to the size of theself-cleaning salt cell, or other factors.

The snap fasteners 1550 may be used to connect and fasten the electrodeplates 1510 together. As shown in FIG. 15, a rotary wiper 1520 may beplaced between two electrode plates 1510, such that a mounting hub 1521of the rotary wiper 1520 is centered within the center hole 1512 of theelectrode plate 1510. The snap fasteners 1550 may be inserted throughthe mounting holes 1540 in the corners of the electrode plates 1510 tofasten and secure electrode plates 1510 together, as was previouslydiscussed when referring to FIGS. 13A-13B.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and itsderivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two ormore elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contactwith one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. Thephrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well asderivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with,couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave,juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a propertyof, or the like.

Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A“set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in thewritten description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,”“carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to beunderstood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitionalphrases with respect to claims.

If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connoteany priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another orthe temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These termsare used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having acertain name from another element having a same name (but for use of theordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in thisapplication, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, butthe alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on theapparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of theexamples may involve specific combinations of method acts or systemelements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements maybe combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.

Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with oneaspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from asimilar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.

Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described asprocesses, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram,a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depictthe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should beunderstood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the stepsas shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the describedmethods.

If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the meansare not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in thisapplication for performing the recited function, but are intended tocover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, forperforming the recited function.

If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process shouldnot be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written,and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences maybe varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated anddescribed herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easilydetect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may becapable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted forthe aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and describedherein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore,the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternateaspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the inventionis defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further,each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into thespecification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A salt cell chlorinator adapted to run achlorination program of swimming pool or spa water, the chlorinationprogram occurring by converting saltwater to chlorine water, the saltcell chlorinator being further adapted to run a self-cleaning program toself-clean by scraping off residual buildup, the salt cell chlorinatorcomprising: a housing having: a front end; a rear end; a top side; abottom side; a water inlet pipe; and a water outlet pipe; a plurality ofsnap fasteners, wherein each snap fastener comprises a female portionand a male portion extending coaxially from the female portion; aplurality of electrodes arranged in a line within the housing whereineach pair comprising a first and a second adjacent electrode is fastenedvia a pair of a first and a second snap fasteners; each electrode of theplurality of electrodes having: a first face; and a second face, whichis opposed to the first face; a plurality of rotary wipers, wherein eachrotary wiper of the plurality of rotary wipers is arranged within theline of the plurality of electrodes, such that each rotary wiper of theplurality of wipers is adapted to make contact with at least oneelectrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one rotarywiper of the plurality of rotary wipers is positioned between twoadjacent electrodes and thus adapted to rotate simultaneously on thefirst face of one of the two adjacent electrodes and on the second faceof the other of the two adjacent electrodes; a drive motor adapted tocause a rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers; wherein the rotationof the plurality of rotary wipers removes the residual buildup from theplurality of electrodes.
 2. The salt cell chlorinator of claim 1,wherein in each pair of electrodes the first electrode is fastened to anadjacent second electrode by having the male portion of a first fastenerpassing through a first mounting hole of the first electrode andengaging the female portion of a second fastener, the second fastenerhaving the male portion passing through a second mounting hole of thesecond electrode.
 3. The salt cell chlorinator of claim 1, furthercomprising: a front cover adapted to fit on the front end; and a rearcover adapted to fit on the rear end; such that the housing is enclosedby the front cover and the rear cover.
 4. The salt cell chlorinator ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first busbar; and a second busbar;wherein the first busbar and the second busbar are adapted to transferan electric charge from a control panel to the plurality of electrodes.5. The salt cell chlorinator of claim 4, each electrode of the pluralityof electrodes further comprising: four corners, wherein each cornercomprises a mounting hole; and a lug extending outwards from at leastone corner via the mounting hole, wherein each electrode of theplurality of electrodes makes contact with the first busbar or thesecond busbar via the lug.
 6. The salt cell chlorinator of claim 1,further comprising a drive shaft passing through each electrode of theplurality of electrodes and passing through each rotary wiper of theplurality of rotary wipers; wherein the drive motor rotates the driveshaft; such that the rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers iscaused.
 7. A salt cell chlorinator adapted to run a chlorination programof swimming pool or spa water, the chlorination program occurring byconverting saltwater to chlorine water, the salt cell chlorinator beingfurther adapted to run a self-cleaning program to self-clean by scrapingoff residual buildup, the salt cell chlorinator comprising: a housinghaving: a front end; a rear end; a top side; a bottom side; a waterinlet pipe; and a water outlet pipe; a plurality of electrodes arrangedin a line within the housing, each electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes having: a first face; and a second face, which is opposed tothe first face; a plurality of rotary wipers, wherein each rotary wiperof the plurality of wipers is arranged within the line of the pluralityof electrodes, such that each rotary wiper of the plurality of wipers isadapted to make contact with at least one electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes, wherein at least one rotary wiper of the plurality of rotarywipers is positioned between two adjacent electrodes and thus adapted torotate simultaneously on the first face of one of the two adjacentelectrodes and on the second face of the other of the two adjacentelectrodes, wherein each rotary wiper of the plurality of wiperscomprises: a mounting hub disposed in the center of the rotary wiper; afirst and a second blade extending outwardly from the mounting hub, thefirst and the second blade being opposed to each other; a third and afourth blade extending outwardly from the mounting hub, the third andthe fourth blade being opposed to each other; a first arched connectorjoining the distal end of the first blade to the distal end of the thirdblade; and a second arched connector joining the distal end of thesecond blade to the distal end of the fourth blade; a drive motoradapted to cause a rotation of the plurality of rotary wipers; a driveshaft passing through each electrode of the plurality of electrodes andpassing through each rotary wiper of the plurality of rotary wipers;wherein the drive motor rotates the drive shaft; and wherein therotation of the plurality of rotary wipers removes the residual buildupfrom the plurality of electrodes.
 8. The salt cell chlorinator of claim7, further comprising: a front cover adapted to fit on the front end;and a rear cover adapted to fit on the rear end; such that the housingis enclosed by the front cover and the rear cover.
 9. The salt cellchlorinator of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of snapfasteners, wherein each snap fastener comprises a female portion and amale portion extending coaxially from the female portion; and whereineach pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes arranged in aline within the housing comprises a first and a second adjacentelectrode fastened via a pair of a first and a second snap fasteners.10. The salt cell chlorinator of claim 7, further comprising: a firstbusbar; and a second busbar; wherein the first busbar and the secondbusbar are adapted to transfer an electric charge from a control panelto the plurality of electrodes.
 11. The salt cell chlorinator of claim10, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes further comprising:four corners; wherein each corner contains a mounting hole; and a lugextending outwards from at least one corner via the mounting hole;wherein each electrode of the plurality of electrodes makes contact withthe first busbar or the second busbar via the lug.